Raja Gangadhar Rao ki Chatri, Jhansi Overview

The Cenotaph of Raja Gangadhar Rao, the Raja of Jhansi, was built after his death by his queen, Rani Lakshmibai in 1853. Raja Gangadhar Rao ki Chhatri is located near Mahalakshmi temple beside the Lakshmi Lake in Jhansi. The cenotaph is surrounded by a lush green garden, an adjacent pond and rich architectural designs.

The reign of Gangadhar Rao lasted for a decade from 1843 – 1853 making this a site of historical magnificence that still stands to occupy the cultural heritage of Jhansi. Legend has it that Maharani Lakshmibai used to visit the Lakshmi temple every day. The structure stands in the middle with high walls carved hollow on all four sides with 18th-century architectural designs. The suggested time to visit the cenotaph is from October to March.

About Raja Gangadhar Rao

Jhansi was under the reign of Raghunath Rai III until 1838. Under his reign, Jhansi suffered an economic crisis and revenues kept on decreasing with an unsatisfactory population. It was under Raja Gangadhar Rao in 1843 that Jhansi’s revenue increased two-fold, and revivification of the town was at hand.

In 1842, at the age of 40, Raja Rao married Rani Manikarnika Tambe of Varanasi aged 12 who later came to be known as Rani Lakshmibai. In 1853, after the death of Anand Rao - his 4 months old son, he adopted Damodar Rao, his cousin’s son, to save Jhansi from the prying British eyes. The procession was undertaken in the presence of a British officer.

However, after his death, the British unlawfully called the Doctrine of Lapse and undertook Jhansi as their own, with Rani Lakshimibai fighting for her Swaraj.

How to Reach Cenotaph of Raja Gangadhar Rao

The cenotaph of Raja Gangadhar Rao is at a distance of 2 km from the Jhansi Fort. This distance can be covered using a tempo, private vehicle or autos and would take 7 minutes to reach. However, walking would be the preferable mode of commutation keeping in mind the environment.

Jhansi Railway Station is about 3 km from the fort, and the distance can be covered by buses, tempos, rickshaws and cars. Buses and tempos are the cheapest modes of transport available. The nearest airport from the city is Gwalior Airport, located about 103 km away from Jhansi. Taxis can either be hired or pre-booked from the airport. Commutation from buses is available from the Railway Station stop, City Bus stand at Talpura or Elite Crossing. Jhansi Museum Bus Stop is the nearest stop to Jhansi Fort.